Firefighters

Career summary

Fire fighters who parachute into wildfire areas may be called smoke jumpers.

#9426

Firefighters work to put out flames and embers. Firefighters take training courses to keep their skills up to date. They take part in fire drills and demonstrations of firefighting techniques. They may give talks to the public, especially schools, about fire prevention and what to do in case of a fire.

Duties vary by type of firefighter. There are two types of firefighters:

City firefighters

City firefighters respond to fire alarms and other emergency calls. They drive and operate firefighting vehicles and equipment. When they get to the scene, they assess the situation. They report the information to their superior and receive instructions. Firefighters set up a zone to keep people away from the fire area. They use a hose to spray water or chemicals onto the fire.

Firefighters may need to create openings in buildings to get ventilation or to enter the building. They use tools such as:

• Axes
• Chisels
• Electric saws

City firefighters may set up and climb ladders to get to upper levels of buildings or to rescue people. They protect property from water and smoke damage by using special equipment. They remove glass, pump out water, and ventilate buildings to get rid of smoke. They inspect buildings for fire hazards and safety violations.

Firefighters in an air-crash emergency spray foam onto the airport runway. They put out the fire and rescue crew and passengers. They give first aid and CPR to victims.

Firefighters keep firefighting equipment, vehicles, fire hydrants, and the fire station in good working order.

Forest firefighters

Forest firefighters put out fires in forests and rangelands. They drive or may be flown by airplane to the site of the forest fire where they parachute from the aircraft toward a landing area near the scene of the fire.

Firefighters figure out the best way to fight the fire. They communicate with people in airplanes or at the base camp using a two-way radio.

Forest firefighters cut down trees, clear brush, and dig trenches to contain fire. They use tools such as:

• Axes
• Chain saws
• Shovels

Firefighters put out flames and embers using shovels or pumps. The pumps use water or chemicals and may be hand- or engine-driven. After the fire is out, forest firefighters patrol the burned area to watch for hot spots that may restart the fire.

Related careers

This career is part of the Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Emergency Medical Technicians
• Fire Inspectors
• Fire Investigators
• Forestry Technicians
• Heavy Truck Drivers
• Line Installers and Repairers
• Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
• Police Patrol Officers
• Riggers
• Ship Captains and Mates

Military careers

• Firefighters

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to firefighters.

• Respond to fire alarms and other emergency calls.
• Assess situation and report to supervisor to receive instructions.
• Use compass and map to get oriented in relation to the fire. Collect supplies and equipment.
• Figure out the best way to fight fire and use radio to contact other people. Work as a member of a firefighting crew.
• Put out flames and embers using shovels or pumps.
• Keep people away from fire area.
• Select hose nozzle and use hose to spray water or chemicals onto fire.
• Put up and climb ladder to get to upper levels of buildings or to rescue people. Give first aid and CPR to victims.
• Create openings in buildings using axes or saws.
• Protect property from water and smoke damage.
• Cut down trees, clear brush, and dig trenches to contain fire.
• Pack parachutes and parachute from aircraft near scene of fire.
• Patrol burned area to watch for hot spots that may restart the fire.
• Keep firefighting equipment, vehicles, fire hydrants, and station in good condition.
• Drive and operate firefighting vehicles and equipment.
• Inspect buildings for fire hazards and safety violations.
• Spray foam onto airport runways for plane-crash emergencies. Put out fire and rescue crew and passengers.
• Take training courses and take part in fire drills and demonstrations.

Common work activities

Firefighters perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Assist and care for others
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Handle and move objects
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform for or work with the public
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Document and record information
• Control machines and processes
• Teach others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Process information
• Coach others
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Develop and build teams
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Evaluate information against standards
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Develop goals and strategies
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Analyze data or information
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Schedule work and activities
• Think creatively
• Use computers
• Monitor and control resources

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, firefighters:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are extremely responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Have a high level of social contact. City firefighters are in constant contact with each other when on the job.
• Give speeches and talks to the public or government officials on a weekly basis. This mostly applies to forest firefighters.
• Communicate daily with coworkers and others by telephone and in person. They communicate less often by letters and memos.
• Usually work as part of a team on a daily basis.
• Are regularly placed in conflict situations where others might be rude or angry, usually when inspecting buildings.
• Have limited responsibility for the work done by other firefighters.

Physical work conditions

• Work outdoors and indoors. Forest firefighters may be outside on a daily basis during fire season. However, they often are able to work under cover. City firefighters are indoors when working at the fire station.
• Work in an enclosed vehicle, such as a fire truck, on a daily basis.
• Always wear specialized safety gear and a special uniform. Regularly wear specialized equipment, such as oxygen tanks.
• Are regularly exposed to hazardous equipment.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• Are often exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures.
• Are regularly exposed to hazardous situations and conditions. Because of this, firefighters may suffer cuts, bites, stings, and minor burns.
• Are exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable on a weekly basis.
• Are often exposed to cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions.
• Are often exposed to extremely bright or dim lighting conditions.
• Sometimes are exposed to high places.
• Work very near each other and other people, sometimes within inches. Firefighters often have to physically assist victims when escaping a dangerous situation.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work. Errors could result in serious or fatal injuries.
• Must be constantly aware of frequently changing events while fighting fires.
• Make decisions that strongly impact coworkers. If time permits, they may consult a supervisor about some decisions, but usually make most independently.
• Make decisions that impact others on a daily basis. Decisions about how best to put out a fire strongly impact those who live or work in a particular house, office, or area.
• Are able to set most tasks and goals for the day without consulting a supervisor.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Often must abide by strict deadlines. This applies mostly to forest firefighters.
• Have to be moderately aware of job pressures.

Hours/travel

• Generally work about 40 hours per week. Forest firefighters may work more than 50 hours a week if the fire season is particularly busy.
• Work days, nights, weekends, and holidays. City firefighters usually have a set schedule, whereas forest firefighters' schedules are subject to weather and fire conditions.
• May work long, irregular hours.
• Sometimes remain at the site of a disaster for many days at a time.
• Spend much of their time at fire stations, which are like dorms. They must be prepared to respond immediately to an emergency.

Physical demands

Firefighters frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for firefighters to be able to:

• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Move arms and legs quickly.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for firefighters to be able to:

• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• See objects in very low light.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.

Skills and abilities

Firefighters need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Know one's location in a physical setting and recognize where other objects are located in relation to oneself.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Fire Protection Technology
• Fire Science and Firefighting

Other programs of study to consider

• Emergency Medical Care
• Fire Services Administration

Training

To work as a firefighter, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• pass a written exam;
• pass a physical test;
• pass a medical exam;
• complete firefighter training; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

City firefighters:

Firefighters must be at least 18 years old. You must pass tests of strength, endurance, coordination, and agility. You also must pass a medical exam and a drug-screening test. You may have to pass a written test. Some of the best preparation you can do is get into excellent physical condition.

Wildland firefighters:

The ability to live and work outdoors is an important requirement for forest firefighters. Many firefighters work for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the Forest Service. You should contact these agencies around December 15 for an application to work for them the following summer. Individuals who successfully complete their first season of employment are eligible to be rehired the next year.

Education after high school

Taking courses in fire science may improve your chances of getting a job. Some community colleges offer courses in fire science, fire protection engineering, or fire control. Depending on the school, you can earn a two- or four-year degree in these areas. It is becoming more common for cities and municipalities to require that you complete some college course work before getting hired. It is also common to require that firefighters have a college degree or complete equivalent coursework in key areas, such as chemistry and writing. However, wildland firefighters typically need only a high school diploma.

Some fire departments have apprenticeship programs. These programs take up to five years to complete.

Some states have firefighter training and certification programs.

On-the-job training

Most firefighters are trained by their employer. The length of training varies, but generally lasts at least one year.

You receive both classroom and practical training. Most importantly, you learn firefighting techniques and prevention. You also study local building codes, emergency medical procedures, and hazardous material control. In addition, you learn to use firefighting and rescue equipment. After successfully completing this training, you join a fire company. You then undergo a period of probation.

Firefighters constantly study and train. You practice to keep your skills sharp and to learn new equipment and skills.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be firefighters. Training lasts seven to 11 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Washington apprenticeships

In Washington, entry requirements into firefighter apprenticeships may vary by individual programs. Requirements may include the following:

• being at least 18 years of age;
• high school diploma or GED;
• able to handle the physical demands of the trade;
• being hired by a municipality or fire district prior to becoming an apprentice; and

• passing civil service exams (including general knowledge written test, oral exam, physical ability test, and medical physical).

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Construction
• Driver Education
• Physical Education
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Applicants for firefighter jobs must pass a written exam and tests of physical strength, stamina, and agility. They also must pass a medical exam that includes drug screening. Exams are generally open to people who are at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Those who receive the highest scores have the best chances of getting a job.

Employers look for mental alertness, courage, and a sense of public service. Employers also look for initiative and good judgment. Because crews work closely together, firefighters should get along well with others.

A few employers require a year or more of firefighting experience.

While fire control training is not required, preference is given to applicants with training or experience. In addition, employers look for people who have self-discipline and are dependable.

City fire departments may follow civil service hiring practices or develop their own. For civil service jobs, applicants take various exams to be placed on a list of qualified applicants. Cities without civil service jobs often require oral exams and physical agility exams that may include running, climbing, carrying hoses, and other activities directly related to fire control. Some city fire departments require workers to be at least 21 years old at the time of hire.

#Statement about 21 years of age for city position is requirement of City of Tumwater, for example. CJ 4/21/04.

Tips

Visit a fire station and ask questions about the job. Join a local fire department as a volunteer. Take courses and become a certified emergency medical technician or paramedic (see emergency medical technicians). An associate degree in fire science may be helpful for some jobs. Maintain a good work and driving record and character references. It is helpful for applicants to do physical fitness activities to develop leg and upper body strength. Fire fighters who respond to large forest or rangeland fires should be prepared to work up to 30 hours at a time, hike long distances over difficult terrain with a heavy pack, and work with little food or rest.

#Tip comment about working on range or forest fires from Spring or Summer(?) issue of NW Homes and Lifestyles 2005 (related to Journal of Business), & added by CJ 3/28/06.

Costs to workers

Some fire fighters have to buy uniforms. Some may also be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues.

Licensing/certification

Many newly hired fire fighters receive emergency medical technician (EMT) training. Some fire departments require their workers to be EMTs. EMTs are certified by the Washington State Department of Health.

Certification requirements include:

• being age 18 before training;
• a high school diploma or equivalent;
• completion of approved curriculum, including infectious disease training and written and practical skills certification exams;
• recommendation by approved county medical program director;
• a background check;
• completion of seven hours of HIV/AIDS training; and
• completion of 30 hours of continuing education every three years.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Health
Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System 
PO Box 478577
Olympia, WA 98504-7877
360.236.4700

Links to regional offices can be found on the website shown above.

#Changed contact to main cust svc info per website; rest ok, 4/11/16 cj. Info ok 3/28/18 cj. 2/26/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Forest Firefighters 
• Municipal Firefighters 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and the firefighter's schedule. Firefighters are paid overtime if they work more than a certain number of hours a week. Firefighters who belong to a union usually earn more than non-union firefighters.

Firefighters usually receive benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and a retirement plan. Fire departments provide protective clothing and breathing gear to their workers. Many also provide dress uniforms.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the outlook depends on continued population growth in outlying communities, economic conditions, and public financial support.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Firefighters work in many settings. These include urban and suburban areas, airports, and chemical plants or other industrial sites. They also work in rural areas, where they protect grasslands and forests.

Major employers:

• Local, state, and federal government-sponsored fire departments

National outlook

Growth in this occupation is expected to be about as fast as average. Firefighters will continue to be needed to respond to fires and medical emergencies. However, turnover is low and layoffs are uncommon.

People who are physically fit, have fire fighting education, or paramedic training will have the best job prospects.

Other resources

International Association of Fire Fighters 
1750 New York Avenue NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20006
202.737.8484

International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services 
1707 Ibis Drive
Buffalo, MN 55313
763.395.1207

International Brotherhood of Teamsters, AFL-CIO 
25 Louisiana Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.624.6800

National Fire Academy 
16825 S. Seton Ave.
Emmitsburg, MD 21727

National Fire Protection Association 
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169
617.770.3000

US Fire Administration 
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
800.238.3358
301.447.1000

Washington State Fire Fighters Association 
1910 East 4th Avenue
PMB 117
Olympia, WA 98506-4632
800.340.8023

Washington State Fire Fighters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee 
1405 SW 312th Street
Federal Way, WA 98023
253.946.7335

Washington State Patrol Fire Training Academy 

References

Career cluster

• Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupations

• Forest Firefighters (33-2011.02) 
• Municipal Firefighters (33-2011.01) 

O*Net job zones 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Fire Chief's Aide (373.363-010) 
• Fire Fighter (373.364-010) 
• Fire Fighter, Crash, Fire, and Rescue (373.663-010) 
• Forest-fire Fighter (452.687-014) 
• Smoke Jumper (452.364-014) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Fire Fighter

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Social/Enterprising
• Realistic/Social/Investigative

COPSystem

• Service Skilled